Recognition is no longer just about t-shirts or medals – it’s about meaning. Thoughtful, mission-driven recognition strategies can deepen fundraisers’ emotional connection and inspire long-term loyalty.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Meredith Perkins, Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Meredith shares how her team has evolved recognition from transactional to transformational, creating experiences that honor fundraisers’ motivations and celebrate their impact.
From weaving MD Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer into every recognition moment to reimagining branded products with purpose, Meredith offers practical ways to make participants feel valued and connected. She also dives into how feedback and metrics guide continuous improvement, ensuring each recognition effort aligns with participant expectations and program goals.
Together, we’ll explore:
– How to design recognition programs that strengthen mission connection and emotional engagement
– Creative ways to recognize and reward fundraisers across participation levels and years
– Practical methods for measuring impact and evolving recognition strategies for sustained success
Mentioned Links
www.MDAnderson.org/Fundraise
www.MDAnderson.org/BootWalk
www.MDAnderson.org/DIY
www.MDAnderson.org/Remember
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Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising,
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Meredith Perkins is the Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She leads strategy for the institution’s peer-to-peer fundraising, including MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer and do-it-yourself programs.
CEO, Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
Marcie Maxwell is the CEO of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. Marcie joined the P2PPF team in 2021 after 15+ years as a front-line fundraiser, national events & campaign director and fundraising consultant. In her role, Marcie serves as a primary thought leader and community builder for the peer-to-peer fundraising industry. She started her career in fundraising with 10+ years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she ran local fundraising events, managed national volunteer partnerships and launched their national walk program. She then spent 5+ years as the Director of Chapter Fundraising Events with Make-A-Wish America, where she provided strategy, support & training to 60 chapters on the full event portfolio – walks, school fundraising, an endurance hiking program and galas & social events. In her most recent role at Charity Dynamics, she partnered with clients to provide strategic guidance and analysis to help them optimize and grow their peer-to-peer fundraising events & campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Ethical Leadership from Christian Brothers University. She resides in Memphis, TN.
